Its replacement is larger, but not by much, at 70mm longer and 13mm wider. The exterior design isn’t a step change, either - more a subtle evolution of the existing shape, and unlike the bigger Focus, you can still choose between both three and five-door versions. The main news is that the interior has been given a major overhaul.

The old audio unit, with its slightly bewildering array of buttons, has gone and in its place there’s a large, slightly incongruous 8.0in floating touchscreen on the dash. Plenty of technical options are available, too, including a full suite of advanced driver assistance features, including automated parking, cruise control and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.

A hook-up with premium audio maker B&O means you can order a Fiesta with a 10-speaker, nine-channel, 675W audio system as an option or by buying specific models, such as the B&O Play Zetec Series or B&O Play Titanium Series.

What's it like?

The good news is that the Fiesta’s outstanding handling, ride and steering qualities are unaffected by the increase in size; if anything, they’re even better than before. The steering is light enough for easy parking but loads up nicely in corners to give plenty of feel. Grip is good and that much is telegraphed back through the wheel, making quick drives on twisting country roads fun and confidence-inspiring, even in the wet. There’s little body roll but, despite that, the ride is supple and effective damping ensures there’s no skittering on poor surfaces. As before, brakes are powerful, if oversensitive, and would benefit from more pedal feel.

No turbocharger means this 84bhp engine lacks more than just power; the diesel-like punch of its boosted sisters is also missing when you accelerate. Because of that, response feels sluggish, although speed soon builds up with patience. The naturally aspirated engine is gruffer than the refined turbo versions, too, and its three-cylinder configuration more noticeable.

Should I buy one?

The 84bhp Ti-VCT engine is surprisingly capable, considering its small capacity and the absence of a turbo, but most drivers will probably find its shortage of initial go tedious unless driving is confined purely to urban streets or you really do want nothing more than a utility shopping car.

Join the debate

I'm not convinced that it matters that much to most buyers in the UK, but I suspect the design of the new Fiesta will look aged within 2 years. It's very clearly a resin of the really sharp previous car, and I think the new Ibiza, Polo and C3 already show up its underlying age.

..slow which will give you time to realise how over priced the Fiesta is. Remember these are 3 door versions so when making 5 door comparasions you need to add £650 making a basic'ish Zetec with a 1.0t £15,450. £500 more expensive than the TOP-SPEC's 1.0t Suzuki Baleno, or £1,500 more than the equivalent Baleno model.
New Mica should eat it for lunch too but probably won't in the UK at least

Looks too similar to the outgoing 9 year old design, which admittedly aged well. With such a familiar look I doubt this version will age quite so well. Unfortunately where design is concerned, evolution seems to be the name of the game with too many manufacturers these days.

The dash is awful, the old one looked much better - the touch screen looks stuck on and at a weird angle. Apple Carplay but no Android Auto ?

yea think you do get it according to the Brochure, although Sat Nav is another £300 and electric rear windows (yep it's not just the base model the Zetec, TITANIUM, ST Line, ST-line X all come with hand winders unless you spend another £175.00

The evolution design approach to styling hasn't harmed VAG and I guess that is the whole point of its styling. It is meant to make the car look classy over its lifespan. Ford can't win either way! Whacky styling it will be criticised evolutionary styling it's still criticised.

By all accounts it's a decent car as was the last one. Much more preferable to to a dreary VAG car - which by the way VAG are reallly being heavily criticised at present appearing on various TV shows and radio due to the dreadful fixes being applied - owners are very unhappy